Qatar Minister delivers lecture on role as a mediator at King's

His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State in the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs visited King's College London on 27 October 2025.

Hosted by the Centre for Defence Studies, Dr Al-Khulaifi delivered a lecture on Qatar's role as a mediator in regional & international conflicts to an invited audience and 250 postgraduate students from the School of Security Studies.

The Minister was welcomed by Vice Chancellor and President of King's College London, Professor Shitij Kapur. Dr Al-Khulaifi explored the methodological foundations and strategic motivations behind Qatar's growing role as a mediator in regional and international conflicts, examining the principles of dispute resolution under the United Nations Charter, effective mediation strategies, and key considerations to be taken into account both before and during negotiation processes.

"Qatar's mediation is borderless, it is guided not by geography, but by the belief that dialogue and understanding can bridge any gaps."

The Minister emphasised how Qatar employs elements of political neutrality, soft power, and balanced diplomacy to make progress on highly complex issues and concluded with an overview of the challenges facing mediation efforts and the future of Qatar's role in the regional and global diplomatic arena.

Discussing how Qatar's mediation role has expanded across multiple regions - from Africa to South America, and from South Asia to Europe, Dr Al-Khulaifi reflected on an approach that transcends borders and traditional spheres of diplomacy. His lecture highlighted how Qatar employs elements of political neutrality, soft power, and balanced diplomacy to make progress on highly complex issues. He concluded with an overview of the challenges facing mediation efforts, along with reflections on the future of Qatar's role in the regional and global diplomatic arena.

After his prepared remarks, the Minister was joined by Professor John Gearson, Director of the Centre for Defence Studies for a question and answer session with the assembled audience. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Professor Funmi Olonisakin, Vice President (International, Engagement & Service).

"His Excellency Dr Al-Khulaifi's visit to King's gave our students the opportunity to think critically about the complexities of international diplomacy and the realities that shape global decision-making. Conversations like these bridge academic study and real-world experience, helping our students grow as future leaders with the perspective and understanding to navigate a rapidly changing world."

Dr Al-Khulaifi

H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi was appointed Minister of State in 2023. His Excellency's mandate includes mediation efforts, resolving conflicts, and supporting Qatar's role in the peaceful settlement of disputes. Prior to that, His Excellency was appointed Assistant Foreign Minister for Regional Affairs in 2022. Before joining the Ministry, Dr. Al-Khulaifi served as Dean of the College of Law at Qatar University. He received his Bachelor's degree in Law from Qatar University and obtained both his Master's and Ph.D. degrees in Law from the University of California, Berkeley, USA. He has authored and published numerous articles and research papers in the field of law.

The Centre for Defence Studies

The Centre for Defence Studies (CDS) is a world-leading higher education centre for defence and security research and education. Established in 1990, CDS conducts international research and thought-leadership, consultancy and executive development and is based in the Department of War Studies, within the School of Security Studies, King's College London.